Regional Wrap
A wrap-up of local gun violence prevention news and stories from across the U.S.
Given the current inaction from the Federal level, the most productive gun violence prevention action has moved to the local level. Every other week, we bring you the Regional Wrap to get you caught up on gun violence prevention news that might be happening right in your town.
FLORIDA:
VIDEO: ‘The missing piece is our citizens’: Tallahassee Urban League calls on community to speak up against gun violence
“We want to stop the violence that’s in the community because it’s spreading abroad, and we need to actually speak to the young people about the guns….”
LOUISIANA:
VIDEO: Louisiana gets ‘F’ for gun violence as Shreveport grieves mass shooting
“Louisiana’s gun violence death rate is 22.9 per 100,000 residents, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sixth highest rate in America.”
MARYLAND:
VIDEO: These men found a community with a common thread: They’re all survivors of gun violence
“For the group of men, it isn’t just about knocking down some pins at Baltimore’s Mustang Alleys. They’re building a bond of trust that goes beyond bowling.”
MICHIGAN:
VIDEO: Artwork to honor victims of gun violence in Grand Rapids
“Lipscomb said the next step is a request for proposals, which should go out sometime in May. That would be an opportunity for local artists interested in being a part of the project to apply.”
VIDEO: Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor wins a violence prevention grant
“The Byrne SCIP is a federal program established under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022. Its primary purpose is to assist state, local, and tribal efforts to support their communities and to prevent and reduce crime and violence, with a specific emphasis on gun violence.”
NEW YORK:
How a Brooklyn nonprofit uses robotics, mentorship and mediation to support gun violence prevention in NYC
“Founded by a Brownsville native, Elite Learners Inc. combines school-based programming with youth outreach to strengthen safety in communities affected by gun violence.”
Founded by CEO Camara Jackson, this nonprofit builds safety through youth outreach and programs from STEM to double dutch. (Photo: Elite Learners, Inc.; via EpicenterNYC)
NORTH CAROLINA:
VIDEO: Nonprofit hosts gun violence prevention symposium, survivor shares experience
“Durham-based nonprofit GRACED, Inc hosted a gun violence prevention symposium on Friday. During the event, North Carolina Central University student Gemaeka Smith shared her story of survival.”
OHIO:
Cleveland libraries offering free gun safes, locks
“The Cleveland Public Library is working with local officials, including the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, to give out gun storage devices at several branches, following a successful launch in Cincinnati.”
OREGON:
New report highlights Portland’s drop in gun violence, success of prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts
“Equally important, Portland is seeing the largest reductions among communities that have been emphasized by the City’s data-informed, efforts, showing that a focused, strategic approach drives real outcomes.”
TENNESSEE:
VIDEO: Nashville’s Group Violence Intervention program aims to break the cycle of crime and violence
“The program works by having police identify individuals who have been impacted by gun violence or are at risk of becoming involved in it. Those individuals are then connected with community partners who deliver tailored support services.”
VIDEO: ‘Not normal:’ Memphis activists continue pushing to end gun violence after recent incidents involving teens
“Action News 5’s Michaela Redmond spoke to representatives with the groups Memphis Allies and Moms Demand Action about the recent deaths. Both organizers said this is not a normal way to live, and they are focused on finding real solutions to help the community.”
VIRGINIA:
Gun Violence Deeply and Uniquely Impacts Women and Children
“No mother should have to fear dying during or after childbirth, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a mother to an avoidable death. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate compared to any other high-income country, and we know Black women are at far greater risk than the rest of our neighbors.”
WASHINGTON, DC:
DC advocates discuss gun violence trauma, solutions during National Youth Violence Prevention Week
“Community members gathered Wednesday night in Northeast for a meeting focused on addressing the impact of gun violence and identifying resources to better support young people and families.”